Big Blacks blast Bluefield, 45-24

Behind a block from Joe Clark (76) and Keshawn Stover (23), PPHS sophomore Cason Payne (7) dives into the endzone, giving the Big Blacks a 24-10 lead over Bluefield, on Friday night at OVB Track and Field.

The Point Pleasant football team extended its state-best regular season winning streak to 40 games on Friday night, defeating guest Bluefield by a 45-24 count, at Ohio Valley Bank Track and Field.

The Big Blacks (7-0) — who, by the next time they take the field, will have not lost in the regular season in over four calender years — controlled the clock in the game’s opening drive, eating up over five minutes of game time. Bluefield (2-5) forced the hosts to settle for a field goal, however, and PPHS senior Jason Schultz came through with a 32-yard kick to give the Big Blacks a 3-0 lead.

The first Beaver drive of the game took over six minutes off of the clock, but the guests were also held to a field goal. Kaulin Parris split the uprights with a 26-yard kick, tying the game at 3-3 with 12 seconds left in the opening quarter.

The game stayed tied for less than a minute, as on the ensuing Point Pleasant possession, PPHS senior Grant Safford broke a 48-yard touchdown run. Schultz added the point-after, giving the Big Blacks a 10-3 advantage, with 11:20 left in the first half.

After forcing a Beavers punt, the Big Black offense marched back down the field. With 8:18 left in the half, Safford found paydirt from four-yards out and — with Schultz’ extra-point kick — gave the hosts a 17-3 lead.

The Beavers found the end zone for the first time on their next possession, as senior signal caller Cody Fuller connected with Latrell Collier for an eight-yard scoring pass. Parris kicked home the extra-point, trimming the Beaver deficit to 17-10, with 6:03 left in the second stanza.

The Big Blacks expanded the lead back to two scores on their next drive, as sophomore quarterback Cason Payne scored on a seven-yard run. Schultz added the point-after and the Big Blacks headed into the locker room with a 24-10 lead.

On the first drive out of the half, Bluefield ate up over five minutes off of the clock. The drive was capped off by a 12-yard scoring pass from Fuller to Michael Price. The extra-point kick by Parris cut the Big Blacks’ lead to 24-17, with 6:43 left in the third period.

The Big Blacks were forced to punt for the only time in the game on their first possession after the half, but Bluefield was backed up to its own two-yard line. After gaining zero yards on three plays, the Beavers lined up to punt. However, the Beavers faked the punt and Collier broke a 98-yard run for six points. Parris’ extra-point tied the game at 24, with 5:14 left in the third.

On the ensuing PPHS possession, Payne found junior Keshawn Stover for a 47-yard touchdown completion. The go-ahead TD — which was followed by a successful PAT kick by Schultz — was Point Pleasant’s 40th touchdown of the season.

The Beavers drove onto the PPHS side of the field on their next possession, but Point Pleasant senior Jason Wamsley came through with an interception. The Big Blacks failed to score on the drive, but again pinned Bluefield inside its own five.

The Beavers went nowhere on three plays, and again tried a fake-punt. This time, however, the fake failed, as Collier was stopped for a one-yard loss.

On the very next play, Payne found paydirt on a three-yard quarterback-keeper. Schultz added the extra-point and the hosts led 38-24, with 6:51 remaining.

The Big Black defense came up big yet again on the next Bluefield possession, as Payne intercepted a pass to give the hosts possession at the BHS 31.

On the first play of the PPHS possession, Payne connected with Stover for a 31-yard touchdown pass, which — with Schultz’ extra-point — gave the hosts a 45-24 lead, with 6:34 remaining.

The guests lost possession on downs on the next drive and never scored again, giving Point Pleasant the 21-point victory.

For the game, Point Pleasant outgained the Beavers 491-to-356 in total yards, including 337-to-202 on the ground. The hosts held a 26-to-17 advantage in first downs for the game, including 14-to-8 in the first half. The Big Blacks were penalized nine times for a total of 101 yards, while BHS was sent back 10 times for a total of 68 yards.

Safford led the Big Blacks with 201 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries, to go with one reception for eight yards. Payne — who rushed 17 times for 87 yards and two TDs — completed 8-of-15 passes for 154 yards and two more scores.

Justin Brumfield carried the ball three times for 31 yards, Jared Icenhower rushed once for 10 yards, while Alec Smith had one eight-yard run. Stover caught three passes for 82 yards and two scores, Jason Wamsley added two receptions for 39 yards, while Dakota Booth hauled in two passes for 25 yards.

Fuller completed 12-of-26 passes for 154 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, for the guests. Collier ran 12 times for 150 yards and one touchdown, while hauling in eight passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Point Pleasant has a bye week next, and will return to action on October 21, at Man. Before that, Bluefield will test the Hillbillies, as the Beavers visit Man on Friday.

Alex Hawley can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2100.

Behind a block from Joe Clark (76) and Keshawn Stover (23), PPHS sophomore Cason Payne (7) dives into the endzone, giving the Big Blacks a 24-10 lead over Bluefield, on Friday night at OVB Track and Field.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2016/10/web1_10.8-PP-Payne.jpgBehind a block from Joe Clark (76) and Keshawn Stover (23), PPHS sophomore Cason Payne (7) dives into the endzone, giving the Big Blacks a 24-10 lead over Bluefield, on Friday night at OVB Track and Field.

Point Pleasant senior Jason Schultz (8) was 6-of-6 on point after attempts and also made a 32-yard field goal, as PPHS defeated Bluefield 45-24, on Friday in Mason County. (Alex Hawley/OVP Sports)

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2016/10/web1_10.8-wo-PP-Schultz.jpgPoint Pleasant senior Jason Schultz (8) was 6-of-6 on point after attempts and also made a 32-yard field goal, as PPHS defeated Bluefield 45-24, on Friday in Mason County. (Alex Hawley/OVP Sports)